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They lost possession in their own half. Daniel Powell won the ball against Butterfield and fed Billy Waters on the right. He surged into the box and his low centre was turned in by Marc Richards from close range.

Derby had just started to settle when they conceded and they never really troubled Northampton for the rest of the half.

Curtis Davies in action for Derby County at Northampton Town (Image: Andy Clarke)

David Nugent dragged a shot wide but Northampton went close to a second goal shortly before the break when Leon Barnett's firm header from a corner flashed past a post.